What to know
- Presentation Day/Time: Tuesday, April 22, 1:20–2:45 pm
- Presenter: Tori Moore, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, EIS officer assigned to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Division of Acute Disease Epidemiology
What did we do?
- We analyzed syphilis data from South Carolina (2018-2023) to help characterize an increase in syphilis cases and guide syphilis prevention and control activities.
What did we find?
- In South Carolina, total syphilis cases increased by 88% from 24.9 cases/100,000 persons in 2018 to 46.9 cases/100,000 persons in 2023.
- Early-stage syphilis cases increased by 51.6% from 23.4 cases/100,000 persons in 2018 to 35.5 cases/100,000 persons in 2023.
- Late-stage syphilis cases increased by 687% from 1.4 cases/100,000 persons in 2018 to 11.3 cases/100,000 persons in 2023.
Why does it matter?
- Syphilis cases are rising nationally and in South Carolina.
- The increase in untreated syphilis progressing to late-stage infection in South Carolina is a serious public health concern.
- Routine screening for all sexually active adults might reduce the rate of infections by identifying cases sooner in South Carolina.
- Syphilis can have serious health consequences if untreated.
Abstract Category: Syphilis